Crime
Who Was Wess Roley? Suspect Identified in Deadly Idaho Wildfire Ambush
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Authorities have identified Wess Roley as the gunman responsible for Sunday’s horrifying ambush on Canfield Mountain that left two firefighters dead and a third critically injured.
According to law enforcement, Roley deliberately set a wildfire and then opened fire on responding fire crews, luring them into a deadly trap.
Roley, whose body was discovered Sunday evening near a firearm, was found in the rugged terrain of Canfield Mountain outside Coeur d’Alene. A law enforcement official confirmed his identity to Channel2 NOW on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.
The incident began around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday when emergency calls were made reporting a brush fire in the heavily wooded hills of Canfield Mountain.
As first responders from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue arrived to assess and contain the fire, gunfire erupted.
Two firefighters were struck and killed during the initial ambush.
A third firefighter was also shot and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He later underwent emergency surgery and is now reported to be in stable condition.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said during a press briefing that the attack was a premeditated ambush, likely carried out using a high-powered rifle.
“This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” Sheriff Norris stated.
Scanner traffic from the chaotic scene captured the fear and urgency as firefighters came under attack:
“Send law enforcement right now! There’s an active shooter zone… everybody’s shot up here!” one firefighter called out over the radio. He also warned others: “Stop. Do not come up here.”
Another firefighter could be heard suggesting that the fire had been intentionally set to draw them in:
“It’s clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in.”
As the situation escalated, Sheriff Norris authorized law enforcement to engage with deadly force.
By 4:30 p.m., he had deployed two helicopters carrying snipers, with instructions to neutralize the shooter if an opportunity presented itself.
“I was hoping someone would have a clear shot and be able to neutralize the threat,” Norris said. “There was no indication the suspect planned to surrender.”
Roley was found deceased shortly after, although it remains unclear whether he was shot by law enforcement or died by suicide.
Sheriff Norris later confirmed that based on ballistic trajectory and the weapons recovered, investigators believe Roley acted alone.
While Roley’s motive is still under investigation, authorities suspect he intentionally ignited the fire to ambush emergency responders. Sheriff Norris stated that further evidence, including additional weapons, may be recovered from the scene.
As the wildfire continued to spread to more than 20 acres, fire crews were pulled back due to ongoing gunfire.
Northern Lakes Fire Chief Pat Riley confirmed that no further fire personnel would be deployed until the threat had been fully eliminated.
On Sunday evening, the bodies of the two fallen firefighters were transported from Kootenai Health to Spokane, Washington, in a solemn multi-agency procession.
Fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles escorted them along the highway, while locals lined overpasses waving flags and offering salutes in a poignant tribute.
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the incident a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters”, adding that he and his wife were “heartbroken” by the tragedy.
“I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more,” the governor posted on X.
Other state and federal officials also weighed in:
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated her office was closely monitoring the situation, promising: “Justice will be served.”
- FBI tactical and technical teams responded to the scene to assist local law enforcement.
- The Idaho House Republican Leadership issued a statement: “We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d’Alene and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families, and their colleagues.”
Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking area just outside Coeur d’Alene, became a war zone on Sunday. Its thick vegetation and complex trail system presented both tactical challenges and vulnerabilities for those responding to the emergency.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to learn more about Roley’s background, motivations, and whether he had any known grievances or warning signs prior to the ambush.
This is a developing story, and further details will be released as they become available.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Authorities and family members have identified the victims killed in Monday’s tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena as Rhonda Dorgan and her son, Aidan Dorgan.
The shooting occurred during a high school “Senior Night” hockey game and left two people dead and three others critically injured.
Police said the suspect, Robert K. Dorgan, 56, died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following the attack, which authorities have described as stemming from a family dispute.
In a statement shared by relatives, the Dorgan family described the profound loss they are now facing.
“Our family has been forever changed by the tragic events at Lynch Arena, where we lost our beloved brother Aidan and their mother Rhonda, who was also my stepmother,” the statement read.
In addition to the deaths of Rhonda and Aidan, two grandparents remain hospitalized in critical condition and are fighting for their lives, according to family members.
Ava Dorgan, a nursing student, and Colin Dorgan, a 17-year-old high school senior, are now facing the future without their mother and older brother.
Family members described the emotional toll as overwhelming, particularly given their young ages.
“The weight of this loss is something no one should ever have to bear,” the family said. “Despite the pain, Ava and Colin are determined to continue their education and build lives that honor the memory of those we have lost.”
Following the shooting, Ava Dorgan spoke briefly with reporters outside Pawtucket police headquarters, confirming that the gunman was her father.
“My father was the shooter. He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she said. She described him as “mentally ill” and “very sick,” attributing the violence to long-standing mental health struggles.
Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the suspect also went by the name Roberta Esposito and stated that investigators are continuing to examine his background and the events leading up to the shooting.
The shooting erupted at approximately 2:30 p.m., roughly 30 minutes after the Senior Night game began.
The matchup featured a cooperative team comprised of Coventry and Johnston players competing against a co-op team including students from St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence, and North Smithfield.
Livestream footage captured multiple gunshots ringing out from the stands, sending players and spectators scrambling for safety.
Witnesses described a scene of panic as families fled the arena and sought shelter nearby.
Chief Goncalves said officers arrived within approximately 90 seconds of receiving the initial report of gunfire.
A bystander intervened during the incident and attempted to subdue the shooter, actions the chief credited with preventing further loss of life.
None of the players on the ice were physically injured, though many witnessed the violence firsthand.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation. Police have interviewed more than 100 witnesses and are asking anyone with additional video footage to come forward.
Court records indicate that Robert Dorgan had a history of family conflicts, some involving disputes related to gender identity.
In 2020, he reported to the North Providence Police Department that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery and alleged conflicts with extended family members following that decision.
Dorgan’s divorce from Rhonda Dorgan was finalized in June 2021.
Initial divorce filings referenced gender reassignment surgery and personality traits before being amended to cite irreconcilable differences.
Authorities have not publicly identified a definitive motive beyond describing the shooting as the result of a family dispute.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien called the incident devastating for the community.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night, was instead marked by violence and fear,” Grebien said. “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also expressed condolences and encouraged anyone struggling in the aftermath to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. State officials said additional mental health resources will be made available to students and families affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the Dorgan family says they are focusing on supporting one another and honoring the memory of Rhonda and Aidan.
“Our hearts are broken,” the family said, “but we will carry their love with us every day.”